Applications for 2026 Graduate Program is now open.

Contents

• Graduate Program Summary
• Working at DFAT
• About the program
• What we offer
• Who we are looking for
• Eligibility requirements
• Applying from overseas
• Questions

Graduate Program Summary

Working at DFAT

A career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides you with the opportunity to make a difference. You will learn new skills, be part of experienced and motivated teams, and undertake work that promotes and protects Australia's international interests.

We work with international partners and other countries to tackle global challenges, increase Australia's trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.

DFAT manages Australia's international presence – a network of over 116 embassies, high commissions, consulates-general and representative offices across five continents – and we have over 6,000 staff located in Australia and overseas. These staff are diplomats, negotiators, consular officers, advisers and corporate officers developing and delivering Australia's foreign policy, trade and development outcomes on behalf of Australia and Australians.

Each year DFAT selects a range of graduates with varying experience, academic qualifications and backgrounds. We aim to build a workforce that represents the Australia we serve and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds who share our values.

About the program

No matter your interest, whether it's in corporate management, foreign affairs, international development, policy or trade and investment, our graduate program will prepare you for a rich and rewarding career in DFAT.

Our graduate program has 2 streams: Corporate and Policy.

You will complete 4 placements and get first-hand experience across a range of the government's priorities during your program.

Corporate graduates may be placed in various roles, such as:

• consular and crisis management
• overseas property office
• accounting and financial management
• human resources (HR)
• diplomatic security
• corporate communications
• information communication technology (ICT)
• corporate law 

Policy graduates may be placed in various roles, such as:

• bilateral economic and political relations
• international trade negotiations and economic analysis
• development and aid program management
• international security
• international law
• public diplomacy
• multilateral and global issues.
• strategic communications

What we offer

During the 18-month program, you will be provided with:

• an ongoing position, commencing at an APS4 classification and advancing to an APS5 classification upon completion of the program
• 15.4% superannuation
• targeted training and development from the award-winning Diplomatic Academy  
• an inclusive and flexible working environment
• access to employee and professional networks
• generous leave conditions
• a relocation package if you need to move to Canberra from within Australia.

All graduate roles are based in Canberra.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for graduates with a range of experiences and from diverse backgrounds. People who have a genuine interest in working with Australia's international partners to tackle global challenges, increase trade and investment opportunities, protect international rules, keep our region stable and help Australians overseas.  Further, we need graduates who will help us manage departmental resources and assets (people, budget, information, property), in Australia and at overseas posts.

We welcome applications from all academic backgrounds, including, but not limited to international relations, economics, social sciences, public policy, education, business and commerce, law, national security, linguistics, and STEM.

We also encourage graduates with backgrounds or degrees in human resources, communications, finance, data, and digital fields to apply.

It is important our graduates can work collaboratively with others, manage relationships, have humility, drive and accountability.  We also look for people who are adaptable, have resilience, and through analytical thinking, able to problem-solve.

In your application you can indicate your preference for the corporate or policy stream. 

Eligibility requirements

You must meet DFAT general eligibility requirements to apply for the Graduate Program.

You also need to:

• be an Australian Citizen at the time of application
• have completed at least a bachelor’s degree between 30 April 2020 and 31 December 2025.

Prior to starting the DFAT graduate program, successful candidates need to obtain an Australian national security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2.

If your only qualification is from an overseas institution, you will need to provide Australian documentation recognising your qualification(s). Refer to the Department of Education for more information about recognition of overseas qualifications.

Applying from overseas

It is possible to apply for a graduate position while you are overseas.

Ongoing employment with the department requires the successful candidates to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance. Loss of a security clearance at any time will lead to termination of employment.

An interview is a critical part of the security clearance process. The interview will be conducted in Australia. If you are overseas during the security vetting process, you are expected to return to Australia for your security interview at your own expense.

Questions

All queries relating to the application and selection process for the 2026 Graduate Program should be directed to DFP Recruitment via email at dfat.graduates@dfp.com.au or by calling 1300 184 817.